Telescopic or extensible table



Aug. 30, 1932. A. GRUNDY ET AL TELESCOPIC OR EXTENSIBLE TABLE 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed Oci. 15. 1950 HR FRHNK 650w! ala/Lo AWm/m s.

Aug. 3C9, 1932 A. GRUNDY ET AL TELESCOPIC OR EXTENSIBLE TABLE Filed Oct. 15, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 l: LID

FRHNK Opp/45153 Patented Aug. 30, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ARTHUR GRUNDY, OF WIGAN, AND FRANK DAWBER, OF UPHOLLAND, ENGLAND 'rnnnscorrc 0R EXTENSIBLE TABLE Application filed October 15, 1930,8eria1 No. 488,?46, and. in Great Britain June 28, 1930.

This invention relates to telescopic or extensible tables of the type in which the table has one or more top portions or sections movable relative to the table frame and legs.

3 tension leaf or leaves in the operative position when the table is to be extended, and returning them into the stowed position when the table is contracted.

Prior to this invention the operating mechanism of these extending tables has been rather complicated, and the movable top sections have not been slidably held in the same horizontal plane asthe table frame at any part of the operations of opening or closing up the table by the same mechanism that is employed to raise and lower the extension leaves. I

By the present invention simple operating means are employed to raise the extension leaf or leaves into the operative position, and to return it or them to the stowed position, and at all times the movable top section or sections is slidably connected to the table frame, and therefore the whole table can be lifted by its top during any part of the operations.

According to this invention, in telescopic or extensible tables wherein a movable tabletop section (or sections) is horizontally movable in extending and contracting the table, and an extension leaf (or leaves) is adapted to be housed under the movable top scctionor sections when the table is in the contracted condition, and to be raised into the operative position level with the said movable topsection or sections when the saidmovable section is moved outwards in extending the table, means are provided whereby upon out ward movement of the movable top section or sectionsto a certain extent the extension leaf or leaves is raised into and supported in the operative position, and upon further outward movement of the movable top section the support for the extension leaf or leaves is withdrawn and the said leaf or leaves allowed to drop by gravity into the stowed position.

Means are further provided which then enable the movable top section or sections to be moved inwards again to contract the table and overlie the extension leaf or leaves without disturbing the latter in the stowed position;

In a preferred construction, each movable top section has on its under sideslide-bars or runners, which during the sliding movement are guided by suitable guides on the fixed frame of the table, and are provided with projecting members adapted to co-operate with depending brackets or bars on the lower side of the extension leaf. The arrange ment is such, that by the outward movement of themovable top section to a certain extent the projecting members on the slide-bars or runners are caused to pass under the said brackets or depending bars and raise the extension leaf, after a preliminary slight rocking movement, into the plane of the table top and support it in that position, whilst on the operation of contracting the table and stowing away the extension leaf, the movable top section is moved outwards so far that the projecting parts on the slide-bars or runners are moved clear of the brackets or depending bars on the extension leaf, which latter then drops by gravity into its stowed position, and the movable top section is then moved inwards into its closed position against a fixed portion or section of the table top, and overlies the stowed extension leaf. To permit this return movement of the movable top section when the table is to be closed up without disturbing the stowed extension leaf, we provide a longitudinal groove in the depending bars extending from end to end thereof, through which groove the projecting part on the slidebar travels and at the inner (exit) end of this groove is arranged a springy tongue which is secured to the bottom of the depending bar. This springy tongue is pressed aside by the projecting part to permit the latter to leave the groove, but masks the exit end of the groove from the outside and prevents the proecting part entering the groove from that end. Bythis masking of the longitudinal groove at its inner end by the springy tongue,

and by reason of the shape of the portion of 7 side ofra fixed transverse bar, supportedcentrally on the table frame, and forming a fixed table top section, and in the stowed position the extension leaves lie immediately beneath their respective movable top sections. The fixed centre bar is stepped on both sides to receive the inner edge of the extension leaves, and has holes toreceive dowels on the movable top sections and on the extension leaves, as well as grooves or slots to receive the dowels on'the extension leaves when the latter are in their stowed position.

The fixed centre bar is, of course, dispensed with when the table has only one movable top section and one extension leaf, and in that case the edge of the fixed top section of the table top'is formed like. the side of the fixed centre bar aforesaid to receive the abutting edges of the movable top section and the ex tension leaf respectively in the contracted and extended conditions of the table.

The movable top sections are recessed on their lower side to accommodate the extension leaves when in the stowed position.

When two movable top setcions and two extension leaves are provided, the guides on the frame of the table preferably comprise a pair of longitudinally slotted guide-bars at each side of the frame, and an intermediate non-slotted guide-bar located between the movable top section, separate slotted guidevbars being provided for each movable top section, but each intermediate I guide-bar serves'for the corresponding slide-bars of the two opposite movable top sections.

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example the upper part of an extensible table made in accordance with our invention, and having two movable top sections and two extension leaves, either or both of which latter can be independentlyand automatically brought into the 0-perative position to extend the table, or al: lowed to drop into the stowed position when contracting the table by sliding movements of the respeotlve movable top sections.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a sectional elevation, taken on the line A-A of Fig. 2, showing, on the left, one of the extension leaves in the raised position but before the movable top section is pushed'inwards to engage it and carry it into engagement with the fixed central bar of the table top while on the right the extension leaf is inthe stowed position, and the movable top section is shown fully drawn out preparatory'to bein moved inwards to engage the fixed centre ar. s

Figure 2.is a plan view, but with the extension leaves removed for the sake of clearness.

Figure 3 is a sectional end elevation on the line B-B of Fig. 2.

Figure 4 is a side elevation, and Figure 5 an end elevation of one of the extension leaves.

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic plan view, showing the guide-bars built to form a complete self-contained unit which is adapted to e secured to a separately constructed tableframe.

Referring to the drawings, 1 denotes the legs, and 2 the members of the usual frame of the table." 3 and 4. are two movable top sections, and 5 and 6 are a pair of loose extension leaves, inserted one at each side of a transverse bar 7 fixed across the top of the table frame atits middle, and forming a fixed part of the table top.

The fixed bar 7 has a step 8 at each side on which the inner edge of the extension leaf, or. of the movable top section, rests as the case maybe when the table is extended or contracted. This fixed transverse bar 7 has holes 9 to receive dowels 10 on the movable top sectionsand dowels 11 on the extension leaves, while slots 12 are also provided to receive the dowels 11 on the extension leaves when the said leaves are in the stowed position.

When the table is in the contracted or closed up condition, the extension leaves rest on the table frame immediately below" the movable top sections, and are housed in a recess or space 13 provided on the under side of each of the movable top sections.

The movable top sections have each two longitudinally-extending slide bars or runners 14, 15, and 16, 17, respectively, secured on their lower side, and these slide-bars are guided by suitable fixed guide-bars on the table frame, as will presently be more fully described. It will be seen from the drawings that the two slide bars on each'movable top section are arranged in staggered relationship to the corresponding slide-bars on the opposite movable top section. The slidebars or runners pass through open-topped slots53 in the table frame 2.

Secured to the bottom edge of each of these slide-bars. 14, 15,16 21-11(11'17 is a flat metal plate, 18, 19, and 21 respectively for instance, made of gun metal. These metal plates are adapted to act as guide members for the slidebars, and also as operating memhere for raising and supporting the extension leaves.

22 and 23 denote a pair of guide-bars, with a. longitudinal slot 24 therein, arranged to wards one side of the table frame, and 25 and 26ers correspondingslotted guide-bars at the opposite side of the frame. 27 and'28 are intermediate guide-bars, of slightly less depth'than the slide-bars 1417, as shown clearly in Fig. 3, one intermediate guide-bar being located between each pair of the slotted guide-bars. It will be seen that there are separate slotted guide-bars provided for the I slide-bars of each movable top section, but 20" the intermediate guide-bar, 27 or 28, serves for the two corresponding slide-bars on opposite movable topsections.

Each of the metal plates 18-21'extends laterally at one side through the slot 24 in the 2 *adj acent slot-ted guide-bar, and projects slightly therefrom, while at the other side it also projects to a certain extent below the bottom of the intermediate guide-bar 27 or 28. The outer ends of the slots 24 in the guide-bars in which the metal plates 18-21 travel limit the movement of the movable table top sections in the outward direction. Near the free end of the slide bars 1417 ,an additional guide-plate, marked 29,30, 31 and 32 respectively, is secured to the bottom of each of the slide-bars. These guide-plates engage at one end in the slots 24 on the slotted guide-bars 22, 23 and 25, 26, while at the other end they project laterally under the intermediate guide-bars 27, 28, and they form 7 an additional bearing for the slide-bars to steady them in their movements. In order further to prevent any tendency for the movable top sections to liftup from the table 35 "frame, a cross bar 33, 34, is secured at the top of the frame 2 at each end by screws and these cross-bars are slotted, as at 35, to permit the movable top sections to be pushed inwards into engagement with the transverse bar 7 when the table is contracted.

Referring to Fig. 6, it will be seen that the complete guide-bar structure is capable of being constructed as a self-contained unit, the external slotted guide-bars 22 and 25 forming-two sides of this unit frame, while two' additional transverse pieces 51 and 52 serve to secure these slotted guide-bars together. Such a self-contained unit frame Ban be placed within the fixed frame of the table and secured thereto in any suitable way. In this construction the transverse bars 51, 52 may not extend the full height of the frame members 2 to obviate slotting, but if desired they may be slotted. For clearness the table portions are shown in chain-dotted lines, and

the unit in full lines.

We shall now describe'the construction of the. extension leaves. Each extension leaf has two, depending bars or rails 36, 37 of suitable length, fastened to its lower side,

and in each of these bars or rails at one side is a. groove 38, 39, respectively, which is attached is rounded to facilitate the rais- 'ing of the extension leaf on meeting the metal plates 18-21 on the slide-bars of the movable top section when the latter is drawn outwards, The spring'y tongues 40 extend along the bottoinof the depending bars and form a wearing surface thereon.

The part of the plates 1821 which projects through the slot 24 in the guide-bars is free to travel right through the longitudinal grooves 38 or 39 in the depending rails of the extension leaf when the movable top sectionis moved inwards, as the springy tongue or guard 40 at the exit end of each groove is pressed back by the plate on leaving the groove, but the springy tongue 40 masks the groove and prevents the projecting plate entering the groove at that end. Conse quently, when the movable top section is drawn outwards, the projecting plates 18-2-l, which have a rounded or chainfer-ed outer edge, engage the springy tongue 40 and the rounded part of the depending rail, so that a cam action takes place to lift the leaf until it is level with the tops of the movable sections and the fixed transverse bar 7. In this raised position the extension leaf is supported by the metal plates, as will be seen from Fig. 1.

The plat-es 1821 are fixed in such aposition on the slide-bars as to lie beyond the inner end of the depending bars 36, 37 on the extension leaf when the table is in the collapsed or contracted position, and the said depending bars are of such length that when the movable top section has been drawn outwards to about say three inches beyond the edge of the extension leaf, the plates are still in engagement with the under side of the depending bars to support the extension leaf.

The mode of operation of the extending table is as follows To extend the table by bringing one of the extension leaves, say that marked 5, into the raised or operative position, the corresponding movable top section 3 is withdrawn ing this movementthe plates 18,19 on the bot- -j tom of the slide-bars 14, 15, are caused to pass under the depending bars 36, 37, on the extension leaf. As therounded front edge of'the plates 18, 19, engages the rounded portions of he depending bars, an easy lifting action of the leaf takes place. This liftingaction be-' ing a table frame and legs; a table top section gins just before the movable top section 3 has cleared the outer edge of the leaf 5, so that a slight preliminary rocking movement of "Bebe extension leaf takes place, and then, upon further outward movement of the movable top section,'the extension leaf is raised by the plates 18', 19, into the position shown at the left in Fig. 1. The inner edge of the movgzble top section is slightly chalnfered on the under side, and fitted with a stripof baize or the like to prevent scratching. When the mova-ble'top section 3 has been withdrawn to the position shown in'Fig. 1,

the extension leaf is entirely supported on the plates 18, 19, so that by pushing the movable'top section inwards it carries the extension leaf into engagement with the fixed transverse bar 7, the inner edge'of the leaf ,resting on the step 8, and the dowels 11 taking into. the corresponding holes 9 in the transverse bar 7. Further inward movement of the movable top section then completes the operation. I I

In the reverse operation of contracting the table and stowing away the extension leaf, the movable top section is drawn outwards, and in the first part of its outward movement the movable top section carries the extension leaf with it to such an extent as to.

being then unsupported, immediately drops into its stowed. position, and the dowels 11 drop into the slots 12 in the fixed bar7. The movable top section is then pushedinwards again until it engages the fixed bar 7,-and overlies the 'stowed extension leaf. In returning the movable top section, the plates 18, 19, by means of their projecting end, travel through the longitudinal. grooves 38 and 39 in the depending bars, and finally leave these grooves by pressing aside the light springs 40 which mask the exit end of the grooves, the plates being left in such a position as to engage the depending bars only when the movable top section is again drawn outwards as already described.

Stops 41 and 42 are provided to limit the outward movement of the extension leaves, and the lower side of the extension leaves at their outer edge is recessed at 43 to allow the lower edge of the leaf to dip'sufliciently in therocking movement to allow the movable top section to clear the leaf in passing over it. We declare that what we claim is 1. A telescopic or extensible table, comprishorizontally movable on said frame, a loose extension-leaf adapted to be housed under the movabletop section when the table is in the contracted condition and to be raised into the operativeposition level with the said movable top section when the latter is moved outwards in extending the table; means on the movable top section adapted to pass under the extension-leaf and raise it-into and support it in the operative position when the movable top section ismoved outwards to a certain extent, and to bemoved clear thereof upon further outward movement of'said movable top section so as to leave the extension-leaf "unsupported and free to drop by gravity into its stowed position; and means for enabling the movable top section to be then moved inwards to contract the table and overliethe extension-leaf without disturbing the latte in its stowed position.

g 2. A telescopic or extensible table, comprising atable: frame and legs; a table top section horizontally movable on said frame, meansfor guidingthe movable top section in its movements, a loose extension-leaf adapted to be housed under the movable top section when the table isin the contracted condition;

depending bars on the under side of said loose extension-leaf; slide-bars on the movable top section engaging the said guide-means; a projecting member carried by said slide-bars and movable only in a horizontal plane; means for causing the said projecting members to pass under and engage the depending barson the extension-leaf so as to'raise the said leaf into andjsupport it in the operative position on the outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent, and to be moved clear thereof upon further outward movement of said movable top section so as to leave the loose extension-leaf unsupported and free to'drop by gravity into the stowed position;

top section in-its movements; means for limiting the inward and outward movements of the said movable top section; a loose extenon leaf located between the movable top sec- 4 tion and the fixed table top portion and adaptand raise it'and support it in the operative pos1t1on on the outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent, and to be disengaged therefrom upon further outward movement of the movable top section so as to allow the extension leaf to drop by gravity into the stowed position; and means for enabling the movable top section to be moved inwards into contact with the fixed table top portion and overlie the extension leaf without disturbing the latter in its stowed position.

4. A telescopic or extensible table, comprising a table frame and legs; a fixed table top portion carried by said frame; a pair of movable table-top sections located one at each side of the fixed top portion and horizontally movable relative thereto and adapted to abut against the fixed table top portion at the limit of their inward movement; means for guiding the movable top sections in their movements; means for limiting the outward movement of said movable top sections; a loose extension leaf located between each movable top section and the fixed table top portion and adapted to be housed under the respective movable top sections when the table is in the contracted condition; means on each of the movable top sect-ions adapted to engage its respective extension leafand raise it into and i i support it in the operative position on the out ward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent, and to be disengaged therefrom upon further outward movement of the movable top sections so as to allow the extension leaf to drop into the stowed position; and means for enabling each of the movable top sections to be moved inwards into contact with the fixed table top portion and overlie the extension leaf without disturbing the latter in its stowed position.

5. A telescopic or extensible table, comprising a table frame and legs; a fixed table top portion carried by the frame; a movable table top section horizontall movable relative to the said fixed top port1on and adapted to abut against it at the limit of its inward movement; means on the said frame for guiding the movable top section in its movements; means for limiting the inward and outward movements of said movable top sections; a loose extension leaf located between the movable top section and the means for limiting its inward movement and adapted to be housed under the movable top section when the table is in the contracted condition, depending members on the under side of said extension leaf; slide bars on the movable top section engaging the guide means on the table frame; a projecting member carried by said slide-bars and movable only in a horizontal'plane means position on the outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent and to be moved clear thereof by further outward movement of the movable top section so as to leave the extension leaf unsupported and free to drop by gravity into the stowed position;

and means on the depending members to permit the movable top section to be moved inwards into engagement with the fixed table top portion and overlie the extension leaf without disturbing the latter in the stowed position.

6. A telescopic or extensible table, comprising a table frame and legs; a table top section horizontally slidable on the frame; means on the said frame for guiding the movable top section in its movements; means for limiting the inward and outward movements of said movable top section; a loose extension leaf located between the movable top section and the means for limiting its inward movement and adapted to be housed under the movable top section when the table is in the contracted condition; a recessed portion below the movable top section to accommodate the extension leaf; depending bars on the under side of said extension leaf; slide-bars on the movable top section engaging the guide means on the table frame; a projecting member carried by each of said slide-bars a longitudinal groove in the depending bars on the extension leaf; means for masking one end of said groove and preventing the projecting member from entering the said groove at that end so as to cause the projecting member to pass under the depending bar and raise the extension leaf after a preliminary rocking movement into and support it in the operative position on the outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent; and means whereby upon further outward movement of the movable top section the projecting member is moved clear of the depending bar so as to allow the extension leaf to drop by gravity into the stowed position, whilst on the succeeding inward movement of the movable top section the projecting member on the slide-bar travels through the groove in the depending bar and presses aside the said masking means in passing out of the groove.

7 A telescopic or extensible table, comprising a table frame and legs; a fixed table top portion carried by said frame; a step on the transverse edge of said fixed top portion; a movable table-top section horizontally slidable on the frame; means for guiding the said movable top section in its movements; means for limiting the outward movement of the movable top section; aloose extension leaf located between the movable'top section and the fixed table top portion and adapted to "top section; a guide-bar having a longitudinal slot therein; a plate on each slide-bar extending through said longitudinal slot and projecting laterally therefrom; a longitudinal groove in the depending bars of the extension leaf extending the full length thereof;a springy guard secured to the depending bar of the extension leaf and adapted to mask one end of said longitudinal groove and prevent the projecting part of the plate entering thegroove at that end, so as to cause the plate uponan outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent to pass under the depending bar and raise the extension leaf'after a preliminary rocking movement ,into and supports it in the operative position with its top level with the top of the fixed. table top portion so that the extension leaf can then be brought into engagement with the fixed table top portion by an inward movement of the movable top section; and means whereby upon further outwardmovement of the movable top section the said plate is moved clear of the depending bar on the extension leaf so as to allow the latter to drop by gravity into its stowed posi- "tionwhilst on the succeeding inward movement of the movable top section towards the fixed table top portion the projecting part of the plate can travel through the said groove and press aside the spring guard in passing out of the groove.

8. A telescopic or extensible table as claimed in claim 6, in which each slide-bar on the movable top section moves between a air of parallel guide-bars one of which is ongitudinally slotted, and one side of the pro ecting member on the slide-bar engages the slot in the slotted guide-bar whilst the opposite side of the projecting member enages under the bottom of the other guide- 9. vA telescopic or extensible table comprising a table frame and legs; a' transverse bar arranged centrally on top of said frame and forming a fixed part of the table top; a step on each side of said bar to receive movable table top section; a pair of movable table-top sections horizontally slidable on the frame relative to said transverse bar and I locatedone at each side thereof, and adapted to abut against it at the end of their inner movement; means for limiting the outward movement of said movable top sections; a

loose extension leaf located between each able top sections, when the table is in the contracted condition; a recessed part on the lower side of'each movable top section to V accommodate said extension leaf; interengaging means on the sides of the transverse bar and on theedges ofthe extension leaves and'movable top sections; a pair of depending barson the lower side of each extension leaf, said bars beingv rounded at their inner end, a pair of slide-bars on the lower side of each movable top section, the slide-bars on each movable top section being staggered in relation to those on theother movable top section; means on the table frame for guiding the movable top sections, comprising a longitudinally slotted guide-bar for each of the slide-bars on the movable top sections, and an intermediate parallel guide-bar of slightly less depth than the depth of the slotted bars located between each pair of slotted guide-bars and the slide-bars of the opposite movable top section; a plate on each of the slide-bars extending at one side through the longitudinal slot in the slotted guidebars and projecting laterally therefrom and at theother side projecting below the intermediate guide-bar; a longitudinal groove in each depending bar extending the full length thereof; and a curved springy tongue on the bottom of each depending bar adapted to mask the inner end of said longitudinal groove and prevent the projecting part of the plate from entering the groove at that end,

whereby uponoutward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent the plate passes under the depending bar and raises the leaf after a preliminary rocking movement into and supports it in the operative position with its top level with the top of the fixed table top portion so that the extension leaf can then be brought into engagement with the fixed table top portion by inward movement of the movable top section,

whilst'upon' further outward movement of the movable top section the said plate is moved clear of the depending bar on the extension leaf so as to allow the latter to drop into the stowed position whereupon when the movable top section is moved inwards again to contract the table the'projecting part of the plate travels through the said groove and presses aside the springy tongue in passing out of the groove.

claim 8, in which the slide-bars on the movable top sections pass through an open slot in the table frame members and a transverse bar is fixed on the table frame at each end mo 10. A telescopic or extensible table as in above said slot to prevent lifting movement of the slide-bars.

table top section horizontally movable relative to said fixed top portion and adapted to abut against it at the limit of its inward movement; means on the said frame for guiding the movable top section in its movements; means for limiting the inward and outward movements of said movable top section; a loose extension-leaf located between the movable top section and the fixed table top portion and adapted to be housed under the movable top section when the table is in the contracted condition; depending bars on the underside of said extension-leaf; slide-bars on the movable top section engaging the guide means on the table frame, each slidebar moving between a pair of parallel guidebars on the table frame; a longitudinal slot in one of said guide-bars; a projecting member carried by each of said slide-bars, one side of the projecting member engaging said slot in the slotted guide-bar, while the opposite side of the projecting member engages under the bottom of the other guide-bar; an additional guide-plate on each slide-bar one end of which engages in the slot of the slotted guide-bar while the other end engages below the bottom of the other guidebar of the pair; a longitudinal groove in the depending bars on the extension lea-f; means for masking one end of said groove and preventing the projecting member on each of the slide-bars from entering the said groove at that end so as to causethe projecting member to pass under the depending bar and raise the extension leaf after a preliminary rocking movement into and support it in the operative position on the outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent;

and means whereby upon the further outward movement of the movable top section, the projecting member is moved clear of the depending barso as to allow the extension leaf to drop by gravity into the stowed position, whilst on the succeeding inward movement of the movable top section towards the fixed table top portion the projecting member on the slide-bar travels through the groove in the depending bar and presses aside the said masking means in passing out of the groove.

12. A telescopic or extensible table, comprising a tabl frame and legs; a fixed table top portion carried by said frame, apair of movable table top sections horizontally movable relative to said fixed top portion and located one at each side thereof and adapted to abut against it at the limit of inward movement; means for limiting the outward movement of said movable top sections a loose extension-leaf located between each movable top section and the fixed table top portion and adapted to be housed below the movable top sections when the table is in the contracted condition; a recessed part on the lower side of each movable top section to accommodate the said extension-leaf; interengaging means on the sides of the fixed table top portion and on th edges of the extensionleaves and the movable top sections; a pair of depending bars on the lower side of each extension-leaf, a pair of slide-bars on the lower side of each movable top section, the slidebars on each movable top section being in staggered relation to those on the other movable top section; means on the table frame for guiding the movable top sections, comprising a longitudinally slotted guide-bar for each of the. slide-bars on the movable top sections, and an intermediate parallel guidebar located between each pair of slotted guide-bars and the slide bars of the opposite movable top section, said guide-bars being constructed and arranged to form a complete frame which as a unit can be. secured to the table frame; a plate on each of the slide-bars extending at one side through the longitudinal slot in the slotted guide-bars and projecting laterally therefrom and at the other side projecting below the intermediate guidebar; a longitudinal groove in each depending bar extending the full length thereof; and a spring tongue on the bottom of each depending bar adapted to mask the inner end of the said longitudinal groove and prevent the projecting part of the plate from entering the groove at that end, whereby upon an outward movement of the movable top section to a certain extent the plate passes under the depending bar and raises the loose extensionleaf after a preliminary rocking movement into and supports it in the operative position with its top level with the top of the fixed table top portion so that the extension-leaf can then be brought into engagement with the fixed table top portion, whilst upon fur- .ther outward movement of the movable top 

